I watched Bress spiral out of control and his magic followed suit; condensing into a distressing mass of thunderclouds which roiled across the ceiling, sparking and rumbling like an angry beast. Bress shouted more insanity about his mother, his voice melding with that of the swelling storm, and I prayed silently for help. Tell me what to do. Please, God... Goddess, anyone, help me stop him. Help me save us. Then, suddenly, it came to me; an understanding as if I'd known Bress for all of my life. I knew why he was so angry, what had created the madness and violence in him... and what would quiet the storm.
"My son," I called in a breathy whisper, and Bress froze; the whip dropping from his startled grip as his whole body tensed. "Come here."
"Mother," he whispered and closed his eyes tightly. "I hate you so much."
"Why do you hate me?" I asked as the beaten fairy looked over her shoulder at me in shock... and hope.